Tokyo 1 Week - Day 1

ASAKUSA

My friend Steven will travel to Japan, so this is for him, but I hope it will be of help to others who need it.

Asakusa means of course de 宝蔵門 (Hōzōmon Tor), the Pagoda and the Nakamise-dori Street. So please take enough time to see and experience, just remember to arrive early to avoid the crowd. From the (strawberry) mochi to the squid skewers, the Yukata or the Kimono rental everything is beautiful and delicious. You will be able to buy lots of souvenirs and visit the knife shops. 

I think there is no better investment since you are in Japan, you will feel like a Sushi chef.

浅草寺

But for us architects, Asakusa has something else to offer. The tourists office by Kengo Kuma. You can't miss it, it's just across the street. Take the opportunity to look at the brochures, ask your questions and, of course, analyse the space.

Tourist and cultural center

Cross the street and take a walk along the river, you will have the best view of Asahi Beer Hall from Philippe Starck, and the Skytree. 

Now you have some options. A boat trip on the river, with dinner. Have you ever imagined something more romantic? Or continue your journey if you went quickly enough and saw everything in the morning.

Asahi Beer Hall

I'll continue. Let's go!

Cross the bridge, because the best way to discover Tokyo is on foot. Look at the ground, at the facades, at the stores, you won't stop being amazed. 

Use Google Maps, it is your friend. 

You will have this amazing view from Skytree from the park. I recommend going there at night and having dinner enjoying the view. Don't forget to make a reservation.

Skytree

From here, you can go to the Hokusai Museum. It's a 20-minute walk and you can see beautiful design stores on the way. The museum was created by SANAA, you already know my obsession with them since my college days.

Hokusai Museum

It's already a long day, don't you think? Then it's time to enjoy the view of the city from the Skytree or take the boat. As Saramago would say, "Don't be in a hurry but don't waste time either."